With Narcissists, Action Always Speaks Louder Than Words

When we start a new relationship, we let a few things go that we might not later. We don’t always set boundaries or recognise so-called ‘red flags’. The adrenaline is just running too high and that is just the way we want it. We want to enjoy this new feeling before routine sets in and the relationship moves into a different phase.

Many of my clients have described this early phase as one where they just did not want to see anything wrong with the person in front of them. Natural perhaps, but later they said they wished they had been a bit more open to being more realistic. Lessons learned. For codependents, this period is extremely difficult. Given their inherent need to fix and give, they will naturally seek out partners who might naturally allow them to do that. These people especially need to be observed more than others and the mantra should certainly be…Is action following words?

Some years ago I wrote about the three stages of narcissist relationship. This, at the time, resulted in many people contacting me and documenting their experiences of early experiences with potential partners who turned out later to have narcissist tendencies. They were mostly bowled over in the first phase, known as the adulation phase. This is when a narcissist is at the height of his or her power over their victim. They provide everything needed to give the firm belief that their victim has just landed the greatest prize of all. A man or woman who is understanding, giving, loving in an emotional and physical sense, buys gifts and does all the things their victim thought was not possible to find in this world. Why would we worry about the odd time that things don’t look so good ?

Whenever a narcissist attaches themselves to a victim, the first phase full of adulation is a crucial phase for them. They are looking to ‘hook’ the victim so they become pliable and open to being used and manipulated, seen as supply by the narcissist. Why do they need this? A number of reasons….sex, money, increase in self-esteem, anything really as long as it benefits the narcissist. This is why they hide behind the mask until they get it and why it quickly drops to move into the second phase (known as the critical phase, where the narcissist starts to check out emotionally by blaming his or her victim for nearly everything), when he or she its eyeing the next victim and planning the final discard when they can just ghost out of the victim’s life.

This can leave the victim emotionally, financially and physically shot. It is akin to a tornado blasting its way through the victim’s life and the effects can be felt for a long time. Being kissed by a narcissist leaves the victim doubting themselves or their ability to have relationships again. For a codependent, it can be worse. They have given even more than they needed to and feel the effects of being discarded much more. They are generally traumatized after such contact and recovery is much harder and longer.

It is critical that we are very aware of who we are dealing with in this adrenalin fuelled early phase if we are not to be disappointed later on. There are never guarantees but we can do a lot to ensure that we are not going to be manipulated further down the line. How do we do this? Matching action with words in terms of evidence, expecting that action will follow words and allowing ourselves to set boundaries and consequences if this does not happen. Even in the first phase with a narcissist, It is crucial to observe this.

Some years ago I wrote about the three stages of narcissist relationship. This, at the time, resulted in many people contacting me and documenting their experiences of early experiences with potential partners who turned out later to have narcissist tendencies. They were mostly bowled over in the first phase, known as the adulation phase.

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This blog is dedicated to mental health and issues such as: codependency, parenting, relationships, depression... and much more. Today you are one step closer to a new you where you feel empowered and on a positive path to growth and well-being. My name is Dr. Nicholas Jenner, I offer online therapy and phone counseling in the comfort of your own home or office.